New Benzaclin Preview

Benzaclin is one of the most popular topical acne treatments and is a member of the combination therapy family. Currently, Benzaclin is administered in a jar that is freshly mixed at the pharmacy.

We recently were informed that Dermik will soon be releasing a new packaging for the product that will contain a new dispensing mechanism. Stay tuned for updates.

1 comment March 30th, 2006

Combination Therapy

Many times acne treatment consists of multiple medications working together. A recent study looked at combining a topical retinoid (Tazorac) with a combination medication (Duac) to see if the Duac added any benefit to just using the Tazorac alone.

The study showed that adding Duac to Tazorac helped to decrease not only the inflammatory lesions (pimples) but also the non-inflammatory lesions (blackheads and whiteheads).

So, this helps to substantiate the widely used hypothesis that using medications with different mechanisms of action helps to enhance acne treatment.

Add comment March 28th, 2006

Rebates

When it comes to acne treatment, many of the branded medciations that are prescribed offer a rebate of some type. Some rebates are mail in rebates, and others offer a discount immediately at the pharmacy.

So, if you are prescribed an acne treatment medication, ask your doctor about rebates for the medications, check the medication’s website, or check our rebate page.

Add comment March 27th, 2006

Yasmin and Aldactone

When it comes to treating hormonal acne, two of the best weapons are oral contraceptive pills and an anti-androgen medication known as spironolactone or Aldactone. Perhaps one of the most popular birth control pills for this type of acne is Yasmin.

Yasmin contains a unique progesterone component called drosperinone that is very similar in acitvity to spironolactone and acts like an ant-androgen as well.

It is important to note that Yasmin contains the equivalent of 25mg of spironolactone. So, it is important that you notify your doctor if you are on both Yasmin and Aldactone so that they can adjust the dosage of the Aldactone if necessary.

Add comment March 24th, 2006

Brand vs. Generic Minocycline

A recent article in Cutis magazine looked at the differences between branded and generic minocycline for acne treatment. The study showed that the re were several differences between the two versions of this oral antibiotic.

The most notable difference was the fact that the branded versions released more slowly. Because of this, there was a lower initial peak. This proved to be beneficial because those taking the branded version were less likely to get vestibular side effects (dizziness, vertigo).

So, it seems that branded minocycline may have an advantage over the generic “equivalent” in those who suffer from side effects including dizziness and vertigo.

Add comment March 23rd, 2006

Trying to Conceive and Acne

As we have discussed in prior posts, many of the medications used for acne treatment may not be safe during pregnancy. As a result, it is important to inform you dermatologist not only in you are pregnant, but if you have made the decision to begin trying to conceive.

The good news is that there are several medications that can be used both when trying to conceive and during pregnancy for acne treatment. And in the end, being safe is the best policy.

Add comment March 22nd, 2006

Picking, Popping, and Squeezing

Ah yes, that overwhelming desire to pop a zit. It happens to everyone at some point. BUT, if you can fight the urge, you will be better off.

Manipulating blemishes can actually make them worse. Often times, the pimple will break on the inside causing a further reaction. Often times, a blemish will last longer if it is picked or squeezed and this may increase the chance of scarring.

So, if you can just wait it out, you will be happier in the end.

Add comment March 21st, 2006

iPLEDGE News

This is straight from the American Academy of Dermatology:

Overnight Fulfillment of Passwords for Females of Childbearing Potential

Getting passwords to female patients of childbearing potential in a timely manner has emerged as an urgent problem with the iPLEDGE program. This timing issue is due in part to the “express registration” of FCBP patients who are transitioning into the iPLEDGE program from previous risk management programs.

Beginning March 14, the iPLEDGE program is sending all FCBP patients their passwords by overnight delivery. Please inform all FCBP patients of this development. If they do not receive their passwords by overnight delivery, then they should immediately contact the iPLEDGE program by phoning 1-866-495-0654.

It should be noted that overnight delivery of passwords to FCBP patients will be discontinued on April 7, 2006. This is one week after the express registration option ends.

Add comment March 20th, 2006

Adoxa Pak

Recently, the oral antibiotic Adoxa has been packaged in a “Pak” form that has the entire month of pills neatly arranged with a mini-calendar. The hope is that this will help with compliance.

Early feedback from our patients indicates that they like the style of the packaging and that it has helped them remember to take the pill.

Add comment March 17th, 2006

What’s the Difference - Triaz

Another member of the topical benzoyl peroxide family is the Triaz line-up which includes gels, pads, and cleansers. These come in multpile strengths including 3%, 6% and 9%.

What sets Triaz apart from the other benzoyl peroxides is it’s “other” ingredients. Triaz contains glycolic acid which helps with exfoliation of the skin. In addition, it contains glycerin which can help the product be more moisturizing. Finally, Triaz contains an ingredient that allows the benzoyl peroxide to penetrate more effectively causing less of the medication to remain on the skin and thus decreasing overall irritation.

As already mentioned, Triaz also comes in a pad that adds to convenience of use. A recent study showed that it can be used effectively with topical retinoids like Differn and Retin-a by placing the gels or creams on the pad and then using both together.

So, there are several things that set Triaz apart from its generic “equivalent.”

Add comment March 16th, 2006